Gang rape accused pleads for trial shift

New Delhi, Jan. 19 (PTI): One of the six accused in the December 16 bus gang rape and murder case has appealed to the Supreme Court to shift the trial outside Delhi, saying a free and fair hearing is not possible here because of the strong public sentiment against him.

Mukesh Singh, who has been charged with murder, gang rape and unnatural offences, submitted in his petition that police and judicial officials are under pressure to pass an order according to the agitators’ demand.

“The sentiment has gone into the root of each home in Delhi by which even the judicial officers and state are not spared and, in these circumstances, he cannot get justice in Delhi at all,” the petition, filed through his advocate M.L. Sharma, said.

Mukesh is the brother of the bus driver Ram Singh.

“The case has been assigned to the fast track court, which is going to start from January 21, and because of media reports, agitations, political statements and personal interest shown by the chief minister and various cabinet ministers, judiciary is under pressure to work against the petitioner,” it said.

“Petitioner’s counsel is also under serious threat,” the petition said, pleading for a transfer to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.